One of the most impressing things about this is that he’s the owner and can tell you about every piece of equipment what it does and how it operates. So much of that is lost in today’s business owners
I think it is like he says, if you grow so fast you lose touch with lots of things whether it is ingredients, equipment, people, process or whatever. One of the biggest challenges for those who owe big breweries is still understanding their brewery and its place the market
As a brand new and tiny brewery in the UK this is exactly the kind company we inspire to be. This man's passion for his craft both quality wise and ethically is and should be the inspiration for any aspiring craft brewery both big and small. Great video guys!!!!
@@TheCraftBeerChannel I bet.. I just wish all other breweries took his stance on things. He nailed it when he said breweries that expand, then look to automation and then their beer turns to shit or words to that effect. He sticks to what he knows best and his roots and that is why they're in the position they're in now. A great video and I hope you go back and do a follow-up.
I live in Australia and would really love to see not only the quality of beer produced in my county to be at this level but the environmental sustainability to be anywhere close to the alchemist! They are not only amazing beer producers/brewers but amazing people! I am going to do so much reasearch into the environmental sustainability of brewers based upon this very alone on your wonderful channel. Thank-you so much the craft beer channel for educating me and I will certainly be “shouting” you guys a beer for the information you have given me off this video alone, if I’m ever in England again after this “bullshit” is over!! Thanks again Matthew Salt Perth Australia 😊
What an amazing 'short'. Am now about to watch the full documentary. Not a beer drinker, at all..but stumbled upon your channel by accident and have been captivated by this 'art form' ever since. From the short time I've been watching info about brewing, it seems there are a lot of people with so much passion about the end result but with just as much passion regarding the people and their role in the future of the planet. Rather impressive when a huge company not only offsets their footprint on the environment but actively adds back to it on top, for example when explaining they generate more electricity than needed so supply surplus to the pensioner centre to avoid them having electricity bills. Can't speak for his 'product' but if its got an ounce as much love and care as this guy has then I can see why it's so well loved. Again, what a fantastic piece of content 👌
Hey Marcus - thanks so much for the kind words. It's comments like this that make our work so fulfilling. That and all the beer. John's beers are just phenomenal and we're truly lucky to have someone like him to look up to in the industry. You'll see some other amazing businesses in the full documentary too - the best beers seem to definitely be made by those who care about more than just the final liquid.
18:05 It's amazing to see one of the best breweries in the world using the malt from my home town here in the UK. Castleford is only a small town of approx 40k just outside Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Proud moment for me :)
@@TheCraftBeerChannel I honestly didn't know the extent to which our malt travelled. I need to brush up on my local history 😂 Add to that the great bottle shop we have (Yorkshire Craft Ales (check it out)) and the two craft ale bars to have recently opened up (Market Tap and Doghouse), Castleford is starting to be put on the map!
@@xander1052 It must be. After a little research it turns out it provides the malt for some of the big names in the beer world as well as many other smaller breweries 😊
Gotta love it when us Vermonters just say "from Greg" or "when I was talking to Greg", we had the luxury of being in and around it, and knowing the man. Most other people only know of him now looking back because of these crazy beers.
Been feeling a little dejected recently and needed a refreshing reminder that ethical and sustainable brewing businesses can help save the world while putting a slightly drunken smile on the face... ... so watched this again, and have a restored hope.
Do you know what. When I get jaded about the industry I think back to this trip and this specific brewery too. Such positive people doing such positive things. Glad it helped you feel better about life too - feels great to know we had a part in that.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel There are some truly wonderful people in this industry, as you often observe, welcoming and sharing. You've met my neighbours from the brewery of Saint Mars of the desert here in Sheffield, well it was my honour to take them, and Will from the Cambridge Brewing Company in Boston for a narrowboat cruise along the Sheffield Canal last week. The canal was built for a very special reason the story of which I shall reserve for you should ever you venture up this way (as I did in 1984, and forgot to go back to Bethnal Green). I very much enjoy escaping into your videos, as they're often about so much more than beer. May even buy a t-shirt... ... maybe :-)
great video on a landmark brewery! I was lucky enough to get into heady back when they were still brewing out of waterbury, right before they got flooded... they are an amazing brewery and to this day, I still maintain that focal banger is their opus ;)
Thank you for this documentary on beer and sustainability awareness if we all do our part it will be a better world. The alchemists are amazing and a great example to us all. Cheers.
Wow! That story really got my eye wet. Probably I will never have a chance to taste a beer from the Alchemist as I'm far far away, that's sad because I'd only drink the beers crafted by the people with this philosophy. What they've created there is brilliant, especially in means of environment and working class. Love & respect!
I really like the Evolution Ideas Of This Alchemist Company! Will support them in my next Beer 🍻🍺 Purchase! Thanks for sharing this Video Brother 👍! Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️
My wife and I consider ourselves so lucky that we got to see the original Alchemist (now Prohibition Pig) before it was flooded in the storm. My only regret is we didn't take more pictures. This was long before the new facility was built but luckily the nearby second facility was up and going. I can still recall reading all I could on the topic and how John was quoted to say things you hear in this video today. His concerns back then on how the first location could no longer be used for brewing centered around trying to make sure the location could be used for something to benefit the town of Waterbury and the workers. Not once did you read about his concern over lost profits. As a home brewer living in Texas I cringe at the amount of water that is wasted and it pales in comparison to a commercial brewery. You can't do what he does without building a facility from the ground up but anyone who does build a new facility really should follow that model. I know other breweries do similar things but I don't think they advertise it enough. I like that John isn't happy with some of the NEIPA we have today. I do laugh and sometimes regret that Heady Topper was ever created because of where the NEIPA mania has gone. To be fair, this is all the fault of "us" crazy beer fans who have put in the demand for this style. Nothing makes me cringe more than to hear how someone will enjoy the taste of a certain NEIPA but score it poorly because it wasn't hazy enough.
Thanks for commenting and the story! You certainly are lucky to have witnessed that little bit of brewing history! John certainly does care a great deal for the people and place he works with/in and all industries would do well to learn a lot from him. He kind of created a monster with the NEIPA but there are still thousands of great examples of it and the world is richer for it - when the hype all dies down and we all find something else to obsess over, we'll hopefully have added another exciting element to beer.
I just visited Pro Pig and I was disappointed to find they are only serving their own beer now, and nothing from the other Vermont breweries. I love their food, but their beer isn’t as good as other beers in the area.
I take your point but to be fair, our inertia is also down to the size of our wallet. I'd love to do all this but can barely afford a bottling machine that isn't basically a rusty, oxygen injector. Fantastic interview and inspiring brewery nonetheless!
Ha - well that is a sad truth about a cash strapped industry. But our point was that there are lots of cheap things to do - saving malt bags for when the situation improves, sending malt to farmers, slowly increasing renewable energy sources. Still not free but longer term net cheaper we hope!
The content of this channel is awesome. With all the talk about their philosophy of using limited technology, I'm reminded of Firestone Walker which seems to have embraced automation big time. FW mainline beers are still very good (and certainly very consistent). Of course FW does have an awesome barrel program.
It is an interesting question. I get what John says but there is still some magical beer made by machines - FW is a great example, Allagash white too. Whether it is craft or not I dont know but there is still art and a heck of a lot of careful process at that size.
Never had their beer (im one of the minority not really into ipa) but love their ethics and outlook. Ill have to visit on my yearly visit to hill farmstead
Definitely worth swinging by, and if IPA isn't your thing they have lots of other great stuff. Their saison is very nice, their imperial stout world class.
The Craft Beer Channel saison is my favorite. Did you guys ever make it to Mystic in Boston? They were my favorite local brewery. The first to win a medal for a native yeast beer in the US i think. Excellent saisons- native yeast, open fermentation, etc.
So what is your take on John's views of NEIPA? Have they become too thick and chalky? Or is that part of the point of the style, to be massive, almost tannic and all encompassing?
It's a mixed bag for me. I respect and appreciate his desire for balance and restraint (and generally prefer no adjunct, more balanced beers), but there's room for all in my heart. Sometimes to take the leap into the next unknown, you've gotta be willing to go overboard, push a style to an extreme, or bend the rules. Hell, hefeweizen is a style which goes against the reinheitsgebot (wheat is a no-no), but the royals loved it so much they were willing make an exception. Short version: I'm fine with the hazy, unbalanced mess of modern NEIPA. There's plenty of options for us all to enjoy!
@@jeffj5080 We 100% agree - though like we say in the video we miss the bitterness in so many of these styles. I think John is right when he says it helps the structure of these beers - around 40-50IBU is needed in an IPA. As for the haze, rich feel and juicy mess we are ALL IN.
Some of them are way too sweet. I think it's in part a fault of the soft drinks generation, they are brought up on sweet drinks and do not enjoy the magic of bitterness. All NEIPA I have tasted with added lactose has been undrinkable in my opinion.
Come to New Jersey and you will see some of the best beers and the best brewers in the world. Brix City brewing, Icarus brewing, Kane Brewing will make you rethink beer forever.
Last year I rode my motorcycle from MD to VT just to go to the Alchemist. It was 100% worth it. Wish there was a way to enjoy more than just tasters at the brewery. However, if that was the case it would probably be mobbed all the time.
Drinking a can of this liquid gold as I watch this video. If you do are fortunate enough to come across this awesome beer, definitely drink one from the can. 👍🏽
Best episode so far. What a brilliant bloke & unreal brewery. I want to try some of their beers so bad. Do you guys, or anyone else know if they are available in Australia?
I'm afraid it never gets out of the state of Vermont except for very special events or a friend bringing some! It's well worth the trip though, New England is a fantastic place for a roadtrip
New Glarus is another company that really puts effort into being sustainable. What a great interview. Knowing the philosophy at New Glarus, I would not be surprised if they are friend, or at least like minded to the folks at The Alchemist.
The more that the owner described the beer, the more I thought: "WOW, that sounds disgusting!" I realize that taste is subjective, but things like this still amaze me and cause me to wonder how far someone can push things and still have people swear to love it and stand by it. He proudly declared that the hops smell/taste like cat piss again this year and I wondered what it would take for someone's palate to appreciate that...
Haha, this is a fair enough takeaway if you haven't tried the beer! It's also a horrible tasting note but he is referring to that really dank, weedy aroma you sometimes get in these massive IPAs. There is something undeniably appealing about those marijuana like aromas...though it is not for everyone.
Did John make any reference to the grain bill of the Heady Topper? Just wondering if any of that haze is also achieved by using other grains like wheat/oats, or if it's purely from the yeast and dry hops (plus the lack of filtering/pasteurization)...
Concerning the malt bags. The maltster I buy from uses malt bags made of a cardboard material. Not sure if there is some different material inside, but it just feels like thin cardboard.
i loved it,, im from Nepal im not professional but i wants start brew beer here in nepal i want to conect with you and get more information about brewing and brew equipment . if it is possible i wants visit this factory side as soon as possible
In the case of Alchemist probably exactly what you state above, though there lots more reasons for haze beyond those three factors. Hence you see it in west coast ipas, unfiltered pilsners and kellerbiers, many different wild beers etc
Not really it is yeast in suspension. And yes yeast has flavor. So put something in the beer that keeps yeast in suspension? Why is it recommended to drink from the can, you don’t decant and leave the yeast at the bottom. We know because we brew. Trade secrets.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel Oh wow, thanks for clarifying, haha. I may have been a pint or two in, and thought, "Wow, Johnny Knoxville has good taste in beer!". My mistake. You can't deny a slight resemblance, though. Thanks for the response. Fantastic video, by the way. Really fascinating to get such an intimate, inside look at one of New England's most mystical craft breweries. I've gained a whole new respect for The Alchemist because of this. Thanks. Cheers!
@@TheCraftBeerChannel he quite rightly keeps some cards close to his chest. I for one love where the Alchemist are going, he seems one of those gents you will never bullshit and he looks after his employees like family. I just wish he would consider on occasion shipping out of state ;-)
@@TheCraftBeerChannel he has already stated he doubts he ever will, but minds do change. I was most interested to see the work he has put into the main brewery, I watched a video where he was explaining what he wanted to put in place; he did not fall short. Outstanding ;)
For those who haven't tried: To call Heady Topper "very bitter" & "dank" is a tremendous understatement! It is FUKNG bitter & DDDAAANNKKK. Love all kinds of IPAs but it is an acquired taste, I believe. Try to get Focal Banger instead.
I laugh inside when people tell me that Heady Topper and Focal Banger have been passed by so many New England area breweries making IPAs.... Heady Topper is actually what it is supposed to be.. and it has stayed that way. The best IPA I've ever had for sure. As far as environment everyone should take care of their area no matter what the Earth is doing weather wise. Be smart. Be nice. Good news is the Earth has grown much greener as China and India have worked to plant and replace trees destroyed in the past. That is a good thing. Cool idea with the bags. Reuse is often better than recycling.
Always blows my mind when people dismiss Heady - why does one thing have to replace another? The fact we have Heady and the juice bombs is fantastic. Neither is better than the other, they are different.
One of the most impressing things about this is that he’s the owner and can tell you about every piece of equipment what it does and how it operates. So much of that is lost in today’s business owners
I think it is like he says, if you grow so fast you lose touch with lots of things whether it is ingredients, equipment, people, process or whatever. One of the biggest challenges for those who owe big breweries is still understanding their brewery and its place the market
yeah, a "business owner", and "owner of a business"...big difference...these guys make what they love, it's not a money making endeavor to start
"You need to have an intimate relationship with your beer. You should sweat a little when you make beer"... That's legendary💪🍻.
This should be the blueprint for all modern breweries! Amazing job 🙌🏼
Absolutely. Craft breweries should be leading the way
Not only breweries, every type of company!
@@taxusbaccata3001 Salute sir.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel Craft Breweries seem to be taking the lead, and full marks to you (CBC) for helping to spotlight that.
As a brand new and tiny brewery in the UK this is exactly the kind company we inspire to be. This man's passion for his craft both quality wise and ethically is and should be the inspiration for any aspiring craft brewery both big and small. Great video guys!!!!
Ah, man I could listen to this chap all day tell the story of beer. Every single point he made is so so true.
We did listen all day and can confirm it was still enlightening.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel I bet.. I just wish all other breweries took his stance on things. He nailed it when he said breweries that expand, then look to automation and then their beer turns to shit or words to that effect. He sticks to what he knows best and his roots and that is why they're in the position they're in now. A great video and I hope you go back and do a follow-up.
I wish John would sell his beers worldwide, I love his philosophy and would love to buy and support his dream, from a humble homebrewer in new zealand
I've never been lucky enough to have their beer but I think these guys just became my heros!
Have you been able to get ahold of some yet?
@@ryandowney9124 Nope I still live too far away and haven't been out there
@@ericharkleroad7716 how about now?
Nope@@thisisabrokenlife
@eric I’d be more than happy to trade with you
Literally one of the finest operations on this blessed planet. Love and luck.
Most insightful beer channel on UA-cam 👍
Thanks so much! It's all down to the people we bring in though!
Vermont’s beer scene is probably the best and most focused in the country.
Napa Valley for beer.🍻
Yup these guys get it hence consistant high quality heaven sent beer.
Watching this video as I sip a freshly cracked Heady Topper made it even more enjoyable!
There are breweries making NEIPA all over the world, but even today, the beers of that style that are actually from New England are still the best.
I live in Australia and would really love to see not only the quality of beer produced in my county to be at this level but the environmental sustainability to be anywhere close to the alchemist! They are not only amazing beer producers/brewers but amazing people! I am going to do so much reasearch into the environmental sustainability of brewers based upon this very alone on your wonderful channel. Thank-you so much the craft beer channel for educating me and I will certainly be “shouting” you guys a beer for the information you have given me off this video alone, if I’m ever in England again after this “bullshit” is over!! Thanks again Matthew Salt Perth Australia 😊
Thanks for the kind words and for the beer in advance!
What an amazing 'short'. Am now about to watch the full documentary.
Not a beer drinker, at all..but stumbled upon your channel by accident and have been captivated by this 'art form' ever since.
From the short time I've been watching info about brewing, it seems there are a lot of people with so much passion about the end result but with just as much passion regarding the people and their role in the future of the planet.
Rather impressive when a huge company not only offsets their footprint on the environment but actively adds back to it on top, for example when explaining they generate more electricity than needed so supply surplus to the pensioner centre to avoid them having electricity bills.
Can't speak for his 'product' but if its got an ounce as much love and care as this guy has then I can see why it's so well loved.
Again, what a fantastic piece of content 👌
Hey Marcus - thanks so much for the kind words. It's comments like this that make our work so fulfilling. That and all the beer. John's beers are just phenomenal and we're truly lucky to have someone like him to look up to in the industry. You'll see some other amazing businesses in the full documentary too - the best beers seem to definitely be made by those who care about more than just the final liquid.
Your content has evolve in a very delight direction .... I loved it!!!
Cheers!
A brewery all others should aspire to! Great video
100%
18:05 It's amazing to see one of the best breweries in the world using the malt from my home town here in the UK. Castleford is only a small town of approx 40k just outside Wakefield in West Yorkshire. Proud moment for me :)
Bloody great malt it is too!
@@TheCraftBeerChannel I honestly didn't know the extent to which our malt travelled. I need to brush up on my local history 😂 Add to that the great bottle shop we have (Yorkshire Craft Ales (check it out)) and the two craft ale bars to have recently opened up (Market Tap and Doghouse), Castleford is starting to be put on the map!
@@vicvinegar4540 if it's good enough for the Alchemist, it's some bloody fine stuff you have in Castleford!
@@xander1052 It must be. After a little research it turns out it provides the malt for some of the big names in the beer world as well as many other smaller breweries 😊
Just WOW!!!!!!!!! I new The Alchemist was a great Brewery but who new it went this far.
They deserve everything coming their way! Wow!
Wow, this was an amazing video! Thank you! I have got to get me a Heady Topper one day and travel to VT and see this awesome brewery!
Carrying on the legacy of Greg Noonan, one if the icons of craft beer...
Gotta love it when us Vermonters just say "from Greg" or "when I was talking to Greg", we had the luxury of being in and around it, and knowing the man. Most other people only know of him now looking back because of these crazy beers.
This should be the blueprint for all breweries going forward. Inspirational!
Been feeling a little dejected recently and needed a refreshing reminder that ethical and sustainable brewing businesses can help save the world while putting a slightly drunken smile on the face...
... so watched this again, and have a restored hope.
Do you know what. When I get jaded about the industry I think back to this trip and this specific brewery too. Such positive people doing such positive things. Glad it helped you feel better about life too - feels great to know we had a part in that.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel There are some truly wonderful people in this industry, as you often observe, welcoming and sharing.
You've met my neighbours from the brewery of Saint Mars of the desert here in Sheffield, well it was my honour to take them, and Will from the Cambridge Brewing Company in Boston for a narrowboat cruise along the Sheffield Canal last week. The canal was built for a very special reason the story of which I shall reserve for you should ever you venture up this way (as I did in 1984, and forgot to go back to Bethnal Green).
I very much enjoy escaping into your videos, as they're often about so much more than beer.
May even buy a t-shirt...
... maybe :-)
this was an awesome video, also it was cool seeing one of the most respected breweries in America.
great video on a landmark brewery! I was lucky enough to get into heady back when they were still brewing out of waterbury, right before they got flooded... they are an amazing brewery and to this day, I still maintain that focal banger is their opus ;)
What an incredible guy. All the more reason to love their beer even more.
I'm greatly inspired by this man. Cheers!
Thank you for this documentary on beer and sustainability awareness if we all do our part it will be a better world. The alchemists are amazing and a great example to us all. Cheers.
I've been runinng a still for a decade and a half. I can tell you for certain, this guy or s a passionate fanatic of frementation.
This guy's a legend. What a brewery he is running. Brilliant video guys, live your channel.
Cheers Brian! And yeah such an inspirational guy
Wow! That story really got my eye wet. Probably I will never have a chance to taste a beer from the Alchemist as I'm far far away, that's sad because I'd only drink the beers crafted by the people with this philosophy. What they've created there is brilliant, especially in means of environment and working class. Love & respect!
I live in vt send me your address and 20 bucks. Let's make your dream come true
@@briansanford2349 that's really huge, thanks! can you send them abroad as well? I live in Istanbul, Turkey.
I really like the Evolution Ideas Of This Alchemist Company! Will support them in my next Beer 🍻🍺 Purchase! Thanks for sharing this Video Brother 👍! Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️
And that’s why I love John and Jen. The Alchemist is in my top 5 breweries of all time and can’t wait to get back to Vermont soon. Great video!
My wife and I consider ourselves so lucky that we got to see the original Alchemist (now Prohibition Pig) before it was flooded in the storm. My only regret is we didn't take more pictures. This was long before the new facility was built but luckily the nearby second facility was up and going. I can still recall reading all I could on the topic and how John was quoted to say things you hear in this video today. His concerns back then on how the first location could no longer be used for brewing centered around trying to make sure the location could be used for something to benefit the town of Waterbury and the workers. Not once did you read about his concern over lost profits.
As a home brewer living in Texas I cringe at the amount of water that is wasted and it pales in comparison to a commercial brewery. You can't do what he does without building a facility from the ground up but anyone who does build a new facility really should follow that model. I know other breweries do similar things but I don't think they advertise it enough.
I like that John isn't happy with some of the NEIPA we have today. I do laugh and sometimes regret that Heady Topper was ever created because of where the NEIPA mania has gone. To be fair, this is all the fault of "us" crazy beer fans who have put in the demand for this style. Nothing makes me cringe more than to hear how someone will enjoy the taste of a certain NEIPA but score it poorly because it wasn't hazy enough.
Thanks for commenting and the story! You certainly are lucky to have witnessed that little bit of brewing history! John certainly does care a great deal for the people and place he works with/in and all industries would do well to learn a lot from him. He kind of created a monster with the NEIPA but there are still thousands of great examples of it and the world is richer for it - when the hype all dies down and we all find something else to obsess over, we'll hopefully have added another exciting element to beer.
I just visited Pro Pig and I was disappointed to find they are only serving their own beer now, and nothing from the other Vermont breweries.
I love their food, but their beer isn’t as good as other beers in the area.
This warmed my heart a little.
Subscribed. Utterly fantastic showcase.
The energy. Most quiet workplace floor 🤣
Beautiful the empathy and community sense
Excellent job...so inspiring!!! Cheers from Brazil.
And cheers from the UK!
How's the craft beer scene in Brazil? I'm from Guyana... And there is nun
Awesome person. Thanks for what u do Alchemist.
I’ve been looking for one of these for like 3 years.
Just randomly happened upon 3 cans. Almost couldn’t believe it.
Another reason I love my home state! John your the man! Put this much passion into what you create and the whole is a better place
What a great episode!
Love headdy, love the brewery, and now love this channel. Subscription acquired.
I take your point but to be fair, our inertia is also down to the size of our wallet. I'd love to do all this but can barely afford a bottling machine that isn't basically a rusty, oxygen injector. Fantastic interview and inspiring brewery nonetheless!
Ha - well that is a sad truth about a cash strapped industry. But our point was that there are lots of cheap things to do - saving malt bags for when the situation improves, sending malt to farmers, slowly increasing renewable energy sources. Still not free but longer term net cheaper we hope!
Im truly in awe of the mission they have to be better.
Us too, an amazing group of people
I'm headed to Stowe next week, can't wait to try this!
Just got back from Stowe for the Alchemist 20th anniversary. What did you think?
The content of this channel is awesome. With all the talk about their philosophy of using limited technology, I'm reminded of Firestone Walker which seems to have embraced automation big time. FW mainline beers are still very good (and certainly very consistent). Of course FW does have an awesome barrel program.
It is an interesting question. I get what John says but there is still some magical beer made by machines - FW is a great example, Allagash white too. Whether it is craft or not I dont know but there is still art and a heck of a lot of careful process at that size.
Nice tour 👍🏻 place looks amazing 😯
Just found the channel, this is inspiring.
Awesome! Thank you!
Genuinely inspirational
Never had their beer (im one of the minority not really into ipa) but love their ethics and outlook. Ill have to visit on my yearly visit to hill farmstead
Definitely worth swinging by, and if IPA isn't your thing they have lots of other great stuff. Their saison is very nice, their imperial stout world class.
The Craft Beer Channel saison is my favorite. Did you guys ever make it to Mystic in Boston? They were my favorite local brewery. The first to win a medal for a native yeast beer in the US i think. Excellent saisons- native yeast, open fermentation, etc.
Sadly not! Did they close or did I imagine that?
Amazing! Incredible inspiring content!
Cool mentality. If only more people had a similar outlook. Not every company needs to be a globe-straddling behemoth.
So what is your take on John's views of NEIPA? Have they become too thick and chalky? Or is that part of the point of the style, to be massive, almost tannic and all encompassing?
It's a mixed bag for me. I respect and appreciate his desire for balance and restraint (and generally prefer no adjunct, more balanced beers), but there's room for all in my heart. Sometimes to take the leap into the next unknown, you've gotta be willing to go overboard, push a style to an extreme, or bend the rules. Hell, hefeweizen is a style which goes against the reinheitsgebot (wheat is a no-no), but the royals loved it so much they were willing make an exception. Short version: I'm fine with the hazy, unbalanced mess of modern NEIPA. There's plenty of options for us all to enjoy!
@@jeffj5080 We 100% agree - though like we say in the video we miss the bitterness in so many of these styles. I think John is right when he says it helps the structure of these beers - around 40-50IBU is needed in an IPA. As for the haze, rich feel and juicy mess we are ALL IN.
Some of them are way too sweet. I think it's in part a fault of the soft drinks generation, they are brought up on sweet drinks and do not enjoy the magic of bitterness. All NEIPA I have tasted with added lactose has been undrinkable in my opinion.
Come to New Jersey and you will see some of the best beers and the best brewers in the world. Brix City brewing, Icarus brewing, Kane Brewing will make you rethink beer forever.
We've had some tasty beer from Kane. Maybe we will come by some time!
Brilliant video so informative... great job
This video is so inspiring
epic. what a class act.
Never knew the full story behind Alchemist. Went from totally awesome company to out of this world contributor to their industry and community.
I love this. Being from the UK I've never even tasted their beer.
Looks like you gotta get out there like we did!
Last year I rode my motorcycle from MD to VT just to go to the Alchemist. It was 100% worth it. Wish there was a way to enjoy more than just tasters at the brewery. However, if that was the case it would probably be mobbed all the time.
Haha this is true, not much of a taproom but John said that was in the works for the next expansion of the building
They’re currently offering full pours on weekends, and in the summer do on site cans on Thursdays during live music!
Awesome job.. Love it every single part !! Cheers from Brazil
As a brewer I too feel ya gotta sweat alil when ya make a beer. It's no fun to just push buttons, that's not brewing. Keep it up guy!!
Haha and that poor guy was mashing in a HUGE imp stout that day...
Drinking a can of this liquid gold as I watch this video. If you do are fortunate enough to come across this awesome beer, definitely drink one from the can. 👍🏽
Having one now 🍺
So damn good! Great job again, guys.
Thanks!
I love how he has a beer in his hand the whole way through
Haha it was actually water because we asked him so many questions his voice started failing.
Best episode so far. What a brilliant bloke & unreal brewery. I want to try some of their beers so bad. Do you guys, or anyone else know if they are available in Australia?
I'm afraid it never gets out of the state of Vermont except for very special events or a friend bringing some! It's well worth the trip though, New England is a fantastic place for a roadtrip
It really is great beer. I reviewed heady topper and focal banger and they got a good review from me.
Best chapter so far!
excellent
I love heady topper its one of the smoothest ipa iv ever had..i gotta say cloud candy by mighty squirrel brewery is 🔥🔥🔥also
I wish these guys distribute to the Bay Area more frequently.
And to the UK. That would be nice.
Okay I fuck with John. He really loves his beer
UA-cam needs to add a LOVE-LOVE-LOVE button, not just a Thumbs-Up button
Haha, thanks Marcus. The man deserves all the love-love-love buttons.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel any tips on how to buy Alchemist beer over here in Blighty? Would love to try some
Excellent.
New Glarus is another company that really puts effort into being sustainable.
What a great interview.
Knowing the philosophy at New Glarus, I would not be surprised if they are friend, or at least like minded to the folks at The Alchemist.
Impressive!
The more that the owner described the beer, the more I thought: "WOW, that sounds disgusting!" I realize that taste is subjective, but things like this still amaze me and cause me to wonder how far someone can push things and still have people swear to love it and stand by it. He proudly declared that the hops smell/taste like cat piss again this year and I wondered what it would take for someone's palate to appreciate that...
Haha, this is a fair enough takeaway if you haven't tried the beer! It's also a horrible tasting note but he is referring to that really dank, weedy aroma you sometimes get in these massive IPAs. There is something undeniably appealing about those marijuana like aromas...though it is not for everyone.
Did John make any reference to the grain bill of the Heady Topper? Just wondering if any of that haze is also achieved by using other grains like wheat/oats, or if it's purely from the yeast and dry hops (plus the lack of filtering/pasteurization)...
He didnt but I'm fairly certain there will be some wheat in there that helps with the haze and body
Great vid, yeast is key too. You never hear the same about wine for some reason.
Agreed. And we have a whole episode dedicated to yeast coming in a few weeks!
amazing!!!
Keep the content coming!
Yessir.
Concerning the malt bags. The maltster I buy from uses malt bags made of a cardboard material. Not sure if there is some different material inside, but it just feels like thin cardboard.
Interesting! Which maltster?
@@TheCraftBeerChannel IREKS
These boys at alchemy sound like a modern day-brew-Jesus...
I volunteer as tribute to be their dank-hop-disciple.
i loved it,, im from Nepal im not professional but i wants start brew beer here in nepal i want to conect with you and get more information about brewing and brew equipment . if it is possible i wants visit this factory side as soon as possible
The haziness does NOT come from the yeast. It comes from the adjuncts used and the dry hopping during active fermentation.
And the fact that the yeast doesnt flocculate half as well as traditional IPA strains.
But will still flocculate in time, so then what’s keeping it hazy?
In the case of Alchemist probably exactly what you state above, though there lots more reasons for haze beyond those three factors. Hence you see it in west coast ipas, unfiltered pilsners and kellerbiers, many different wild beers etc
Not really it is yeast in suspension. And yes yeast has flavor. So put something in the beer that keeps yeast in suspension? Why is it recommended to drink from the can, you don’t decant and leave the yeast at the bottom. We know because we brew. Trade secrets.
@@alexandraortiz3328 It is more about the adjuncts and the hop biotransformation. Nobody said yeast doesn't have flavour... Yes, we do brew...
Big Hank Scorpio vibes from John
Tagay!!!
Sick video. Fuck I want to try a Heady Topper so badly.
It's a damned delicious beer! I wish more breweries out there would follow their lead in brewing beers like it....and in protecting the environment!
"The best IPA" that most people can't buy or find.
Sadly true across all beer styles - it is partly proof that smaller batch beer is often better.
isnt that true for the best of anything? best whiskey, wine, beer, food etc. the best stuff is hard to find.
Can you explain why they cut the bags at 4:58? Thanks!
Because they recycle their bags, and that part is a different material!
Well now I need to get some Alchemist beer. Does it often get exported to the UK or is grey market shenanigans?
It doesnt make it out of Vermont except for special events. Best hope is a festival or a friend who goes there.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel i live in rhode island and the liquor store near me has jeady topper and focal banger both are 🔥🔥🔥
God I love that fucking guy
19:03
Is that a photo of Johnny Knoxville on the wall?
Haha no it is John's best friend. Who I doubt is Johnny Knoxville.
@@TheCraftBeerChannel Oh wow, thanks for clarifying, haha. I may have been a pint or two in, and thought, "Wow, Johnny Knoxville has good taste in beer!". My mistake. You can't deny a slight resemblance, though. Thanks for the response.
Fantastic video, by the way. Really fascinating to get such an intimate, inside look at one of New England's most mystical craft breweries. I've gained a whole new respect for The Alchemist because of this. Thanks.
Cheers!
Conan is English yeast.... would you ever have guessed!
The english bit has been known for a while...all neipa yeast strains are. sadly we didnt get the full scoop of the brewery tho
@@TheCraftBeerChannel he quite rightly keeps some cards close to his chest. I for one love where the Alchemist are going, he seems one of those gents you will never bullshit and he looks after his employees like family. I just wish he would consider on occasion shipping out of state ;-)
Haha well that is the trade off! Grow slow and do it right or grow fast and meet demand. So maybe he will escape the state one day...
@@TheCraftBeerChannel he has already stated he doubts he ever will, but minds do change. I was most interested to see the work he has put into the main brewery, I watched a video where he was explaining what he wanted to put in place; he did not fall short. Outstanding ;)
What about capturing the CO2 from fermentation to use again instead of using fossil CO2 for carbonation and serving (which is the norm)?
interesting idea, though I think the CO2 blown off fermentation will have lots of other compounds in it so might be a little tricky.
For those who haven't tried: To call Heady Topper "very bitter" & "dank" is a tremendous understatement! It is FUKNG bitter & DDDAAANNKKK. Love all kinds of IPAs but it is an acquired taste, I believe. Try to get Focal Banger instead.
I laugh inside when people tell me that Heady Topper and Focal Banger have been passed by so many New England area breweries making IPAs.... Heady Topper is actually what it is supposed to be.. and it has stayed that way. The best IPA I've ever had for sure. As far as environment everyone should take care of their area no matter what the Earth is doing weather wise. Be smart. Be nice. Good news is the Earth has grown much greener as China and India have worked to plant and replace trees destroyed in the past. That is a good thing. Cool idea with the bags. Reuse is often better than recycling.
Always blows my mind when people dismiss Heady - why does one thing have to replace another? The fact we have Heady and the juice bombs is fantastic. Neither is better than the other, they are different.